Sleeping pillow with arm openings

ABSTRACT

A sleeping pillow with tunnel-like openings for receiving the arms of a sleeper, thus aiding to position the sleeper&#39;&#39;s head with respect to the pillow and preventing cutting off of circulation in the sleeper&#39;&#39;s arm extremities by engagement with the head.

United States Patent i 1 Sumpter l l SLEEPING PILLOW WITH ARM OPENINGS [76] Inventor: Alray Sumpter, 936 W. 17th St.,

Port Arthur, Tex. 77640 22 Filed: Feb. 28, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 446.626

52 U.S.Cl. 5/338 511 1m.c| ..A47g9/00 5s FieldofSearch ..5/336 338,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Jennings 7 5/337 1 May 20, 1975 4/1926 McCulloch 5/338 .5802) .l7 3/1965 Gibson 5/338 Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Baldwin, Egan, Walling & Fetzer [57] ABSTRACT A sleeping pillow with tunnel-like openings for receiving the arms of a sleeper, thus aiding to position the sleepers head with respect to the pillow and preventing cutting off Cf circulation in the sleepers arm extremities by engagement with the head.

15 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures P EJENIED MAY 2 0 i975 SHEET 10F 2 22 FIGZ SHEET 2 8F 2 FIG? SLEEPING PILLOW WITH ARM OPENINGS This invention relates in general to pillows and more particularly to a pillow having arm receiving means associated therewith.

. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION During sleeping, a pillow is liable to be moved during movements of the sleeping person and many times winds up on the floor. Moreover, often times the head of a sleeping individual rests on one of his arms and cuts off or reduces circulation in the arm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION sleeping pillow having passageway means associated therewith for receiving arms of a sleeper.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sleeping pillow of the aforedescribed type wherein the passageway means extends through the body portion of the pillow on opposite sides of the transverse center plane thereof and generally parallel to said center plane.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a pillow including'a generally rigid base member wherein the passageway means is oriented exteriorly of the base member for receiving the arms of a sleeper.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a pillow of the aforedescribed type wherein the passageway means has at least some limited movement relative to the body portion of the pillow.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel pillow with arm receiving passageway means as sociated therewith for aiding in positioning the pillow with respect to the head of a sleeper and for preventing the head of a sleeper from directly engaging one of his arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a sleeping pillow embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3'is a fragmentary view illustrating the pillow of FIGS. 1 and 2 in use by a sleeping person;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of pillow embodying the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the FIG. 4 embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of pillow embodying the invention;

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view taken generally along the plane of line 77 of FIG. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the FIG. 6 embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now again to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the sleeping pillow 10 illustrated comprises a cover 12 preferably made of some type of cloth material, and stuffed with some conventional generally resilient stuffing material 14 such as for instance cotton, foam plastics, or any other suitable stuffing material, many of which are known in the pillow art. The pillow 10 comprises the usual central section 16 adapted for receiving the head of a sleeping person (FIG. 3) and end sections 16a and 16b.

In accordance with the invention, passageway means 18 are provided extending through the body portion of the pillow from one side to the other side thereof, and opening to the exterior. Passageway means 18 are adapted for receiving the arms of a sleeping person, as shown for instance in FIG. 3, and thus are of sufficient size for comfortably receiving therein the arm extremities of a sleeper.

Passageway means 18 in the embodiment illustrated include outer or first passageway 19 preferably formed of some flexible or non-rigid material, such as for instance, canvas, cloth or flexible plastic, so that the defining surfaces of the passageways 19 have give upon application of force thereto by the arms of a sleeping person. Passageways 19 extend transversely of the pillow and are generally parallel and on opposite sides of the transverse center plane XX (FIG. 1) of the pillow. Passageways 19 preferably diverge toward the lengthwise ends thereof as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.

When the arms of the sleeping person are received through such passageway means 18, the pillow is positioned with respect to the sleeping person and the latters head is generally maintained relative to the central section 16 of the pillow during the sleeping process. The lengthwise ends of the passageways 19 are preferably secured as by sewing beading or the like to the exterior of the pillow and as at 20. Passageway means 18 in the embodiment illustrated also include an inner or second passageway 22 disposed in the respective outer passageway 19, with passageway 22 being movably mounted relative to the first passageways and to the body portion of the pillow. Passageways 22 are of sufficient size to comfortably receive therein the arms of all different size and ages of individuals and may be formed of any suitable materials, such as for instance semi-rigid or rigid, or flexible plastics, metals, rubber, etc. which may be padded or cushioned to increase the comfort thereof to the received arms of the sleeper. Preferably the passageway members 22 arecoupled to one another and in the embodiment illustrated by means of coupling element 24.

Element 24 in the embodiment illustrated takes the form of a bar-like member having a U-shaped central section 26 (FIG. 1) for increasing the accommodation of the head of the sleeper, and maintaining considerable cushioning effect between the head of the sleeper and the pillow. Element 24 may at its distal ends extend into passageways 19 (FIG. 1) with passageway members 22 being movably coupled to the exposed ends of element 24. Each passageway 22 may have a headed stud or projection 28 centrally located with respect to the lengthwise dimension thereof, received in a flanged slot 29 (FIG. 2) in the element 24, for mounting the re spective passageway member 22 for both pivotal and linear movement in a generally horizontal plane, and with respect to the pillow body portion. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the passageway means 18 may be located generally below the horizontal center plane YY of the pillow. Passageway members 22 may be selectively detachable from coupled coaction with element 24.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be seen that in use, the arms of thesleeping person are adapted to be received through the respective inner passageway member 22 and through the pillow thus maintaining the head of the sleeping person generally centrally located with respect to the pillow and on central section 16 of the latter. Also, the head of the sleeping person is generally maintained out of direct contact with the arms of the sleeping individual, and that movable passageway members 22 can be adjustably positioned to the comfort and to the size or space relationship of the arms of the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown another embodiment of pillow comprising a base member 30 which may be in the U-shaped configuration illus trated, having coupled or secured thereto by any suitable means the cushioning body portion 32 of the pillow proper. Base member 30 may be generally rigid, but preferably is of semi-rigid or flexible nature and may be made of any suitable material, such as for instance, plastic or rubber, both of the flexible and semirigid types, or may be formed of a more rigid material such as for instance metal or Wood. The passageway means 18' in this embodiment are disposed exteriorly of the cushioning portion 32 of the pillow and are coupled as at 28 to the end sections of base member 30, for limited movement of the passageway means 18' with respect to the cushioning portion 32 of the pillow. The passageway means 18 may be formed of any suitable material and preferably rigid or semi-rigid materials similarly to aforementioned passageway members 22, and may be movably coupled to base 30 by a headed studcoacting in slot 29, for both pivotal and linear movement of members 18 in a generally horizontal plane.

Passageway means 18' may be detachably connected to base 30, and may be cushioned as at 33 for increasing the comfort of the arms of the user. As can be seen, the U-shaped configuration of the base member 30 facilitates the cushioning of the head of the sleeper which is received generally in the central portion of the pi]- low.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 there is shown another embodiment of pillow wherein base member 30' has the passageway means 18" integrally formed therewith adjacent opposite ends thereof. Base 30 may be formed of any rigid or semi-rigid self-sustaining material, such as for instance, plastic, metal or the like, with the cushioning portion 32' of the pillow being secured to the base member 30. This securement may be either permanent or removable for facilitating removal of the cushioning portion from the base for washing or the like. The end portions 34 of base member 30' in addition to partially defining the respective passageway means 18" aid in supporting the pillow on a sleeping surface. 7

Referring now in particular to FIG. 7, it will be seen that in the embodiment illustrated these end sections 34 are so shaped that the defining surface of the respective passageway means 18" slopes downwardly from one side of the pillow to the other side thereof, with the higher opening end of the respective passageway being adapted to be the entry end for the arm extremities of the sleeper. Here again, the central portion of the base member 30 is recessed or formed into generally U- shaped configuration, for increasing the cushioning capacity of the cushioning portion 32 of the pillow. All of the pillows may, of course, have pillow cases (not shown) removably coacting with the pillow for easy removal for laundry purposes.

From the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, it will be seen that the invention provides a novel sleeping pillow having passageway means coacting therewith adapted to receive the arm extremities of a sleeping person, for facilitating positioning of the pillow with respect to the head of the sleeping person and for preventing the head from directly engaging the arms of the sleeper. Moreover, the invention provides a novel pillowarrangement of the aforedescribed type wherein the passageway means is movable with respect to the pillow proper for aiding in the comfort of the sleeper, and providing for various sizes of user and preferences of the latter.

The terms and expressions which have been used are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of any of the features shown or described, or portions thereof, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

What is claimed is:

.1. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the transverse vertical center plane of said body portion and adapted to extend generally parallel to said plane for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, and including means pivotally mounting said passageway means relative to said body portion.

2. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means extends through said body portion.

3. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means is disposed below and exteriorly of said body portion.

4. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means comprise defining tunnel-like surfaces extending through said body portion, and means coupling said spaced passageway means together, said coupling means extending generally transverse to said plane.

5. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means includes spaced outer passages on opposite sides of said plane comprised of defining cloth-like material extending from one side of said body portion to the other side thereof and opening to the exterior of said sides, and an inner passageway member mounted in the respective outer passage, said inner member being adapted to receive therethrough an arm of a sleeping person and being movably mounted in said respective outer passage by said mounting means.

6. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the transverse vertical center plane of said body portion and extending generally parallel to said plane, adapted for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, said passageway means being movable relative to said body portion, and wherein said passageway means comprises sleevelike members, and 'means coacting with said body portion and said sleeve-like members pivotally mounting the latter relative to said body portion.

7. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body portion includes a generally rigid base member supporting on the upper surface thereof a resilient compressible mass, and said passageway means comprises arm receiving members extending beneath said base member, and said mounting means comprising a stud movably coupling each said passageway means to said base member for limited pivotal movement thereof relative to said base member.

8. A pillow in accordance with claim 6 wherein the lengthwise ends of said passageway means'are'padded to cushion the contact thereof with the arms of a sleeping person when the latters arms extend through said passageway means.

9. A pillow in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means coupling said passageway means together comprises a barlike member which is received downwardly in the vicinity of the head receiving section of the pillow body portion.

10. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said passageway means is disposed closer to the respective distal end of said pillow as compared to the spacing of the respective passageway means from said plane.

11. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 including means movably mounting said passageway means for both pivotal and linear movement in a horizontal plane, and relative to said body portion.

12. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the transverse vertical center plane of said body portion and extending generally parallel to said plane adapted for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, said body portion including a generally rigid base member supporting on the upper surface thereof a resilient compressible mass, said passageway means comprising arm receiving portions extending beneath said base memher, said passageway means being integrally formed for aiding in providing cushioning for the head of a sleeper by said resilient mass, and being of sufficient width to receive the head of the sleeper.

13. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the trans-' verse vertical center plane of said body portion and extending generally parallel to said plane, adapted for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, and wherein said passageway means each comprises a first relatively stationary passage extending from the exterior of said body portion to opposite sides thereof and a second passage in the form of a tunnel-like-sleeve extending through each said first passage, and means mounting said second passage in said first passage for pivotal and horizontal movement therein, said second passages being adapted to receive therein the arms of a sleeping person.

14. A pillow in accordance with claim 13 wherein each of said first passages diverge at the lengthwise ends thereof.

15. A pillow in accordance with claim 13 wherein said first passage of said passageway means at opposite ends thereof is secured to said body portion of said pillow. 

1. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the transverse vertical center plane of said body portion and adapTed to extend generally parallel to said plane for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, and including means pivotally mounting said passageway means relative to said body portion.
 2. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means extends through said body portion.
 3. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means is disposed below and exteriorly of said body portion.
 4. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means comprise defining tunnel-like surfaces extending through said body portion, and means coupling said spaced passageway means together, said coupling means extending generally transverse to said plane.
 5. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said passageway means includes spaced outer passages on opposite sides of said plane comprised of defining cloth-like material extending from one side of said body portion to the other side thereof and opening to the exterior of said sides, and an inner passageway member mounted in the respective outer passage, said inner member being adapted to receive therethrough an arm of a sleeping person and being movably mounted in said respective outer passage by said mounting means.
 6. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the transverse vertical center plane of said body portion and extending generally parallel to said plane, adapted for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, said passageway means being movable relative to said body portion, and wherein said passageway means comprises sleeve-like members, and means coacting with said body portion and said sleeve-like members pivotally mounting the latter relative to said body portion.
 7. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body portion includes a generally rigid base member supporting on the upper surface thereof a resilient compressible mass, and said passageway means comprises arm receiving members extending beneath said base member, and said mounting means comprising a stud movably coupling each said passageway means to said base member for limited pivotal movement thereof relative to said base member.
 8. A pillow in accordance with claim 6 wherein the lengthwise ends of said passageway means are padded to cushion the contact thereof with the arms of a sleeping person when the latter''s arms extend through said passageway means.
 9. A pillow in accordance with claim 4 wherein said means coupling said passageway means together comprises a barlike member which is received downwardly in the vicinity of the head receiving section of the pillow body portion.
 10. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said passageway means is disposed closer to the respective distal end of said pillow as compared to the spacing of the respective passageway means from said plane.
 11. A pillow in accordance with claim 1 including means movably mounting said passageway means for both pivotal and linear movement in a horizontal plane, and relative to said body portion.
 12. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the transverse vertical center plane of said body portion and extending generally parallel to said plane adapted for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, said body portion including a generally rigid base member supporting on the upper surface thereof a resilient compressible mass, said passageway means comprising arm receiving portions extending beneath said base member, said passageway means being integrally formed with said base member and embodying rigid top and side surfaces defining the respective arm portion, said top surface sloping downwardly in converging relation to the horizontal, and said side surface comprising a side wall portion of said base member which aids in supporting said base member on a generally horizontal surface, the central section of said base member being of generally U-shaped configuration iN front elevation for aiding in providing cushioning for the head of a sleeper by said resilient mass, and being of sufficient width to receive the head of the sleeper.
 13. In a pillow for sleeping comprising, a body portion, passageway means on opposite sides of the transverse vertical center plane of said body portion and extending generally parallel to said plane, adapted for receiving therein the arms of a sleeping person, and wherein said passageway means each comprises a first relatively stationary passage extending from the exterior of said body portion to opposite sides thereof and a second passage in the form of a tunnel-like sleeve extending through each said first passage, and means mounting said second passage in said first passage for pivotal and horizontal movement therein, said second passages being adapted to receive therein the arms of a sleeping person.
 14. A pillow in accordance with claim 13 wherein each of said first passages diverge at the lengthwise ends thereof.
 15. A pillow in accordance with claim 13 wherein said first passage of said passageway means at opposite ends thereof is secured to said body portion of said pillow. 